Anybody going to the Pantanal, been to the Pantanal, thinking about the Pantanal?
Oct 22nd, 2009, 11:07 PM
#23
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Ovenbird,
great photos, thanks for sharing. I have just booked 8 nights in the Northern Pantanal with Pantanal Trackers and 4 nights in the Southern Pantanal staying at Barranco Alto for July 2010.
I'm so looking forward to this trip and am enjoying the reports and photos of other travellers in anticipation.
Cheers,
Pol
great photos, thanks for sharing. I have just booked 8 nights in the Northern Pantanal with Pantanal Trackers and 4 nights in the Southern Pantanal staying at Barranco Alto for July 2010.
I'm so looking forward to this trip and am enjoying the reports and photos of other travellers in anticipation.
Cheers,
Pol
Oct 23rd, 2009, 03:39 AM
#24
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Pol, lucky you...Northern and Southern Pantanal! I think when we go back to see the Southern Pantanal, we'll do what you're doing and include the Northern to have another chance at seeing jaguars!
ORD folks: We're in/out frequently so just have them page "ovenbird"!
ORD folks: We're in/out frequently so just have them page "ovenbird"!
Nov 29th, 2009, 07:33 PM
#25
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Ovenbird, thanks for sharing the videos and pictures. Sounds like you had a great trip. Some day I will make it to the Pantanal to see its beauty for myself. In the meantime, I have fun living vicariously through others.
Looks like you have been to some incredible places based on the photo galleries. Do you have a favorite location/trip?
Looks like you have been to some incredible places based on the photo galleries. Do you have a favorite location/trip?
Nov 30th, 2009, 04:35 AM
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atdahl, it will sound trite but our favorite trip is always the next one. Planning and anticipation are such big parts of why we enjoy traveling so much. But I think the memories that produce the most contented sighs from us are of the expedition we took to see the Emperor penguins in Antarctica. That trip was truely magical.
When you do go to the Pantanal, you will be amazed by the beauty of its scenery, animals and birds. Hope it's soon!
When you do go to the Pantanal, you will be amazed by the beauty of its scenery, animals and birds. Hope it's soon!
Nov 30th, 2009, 05:42 PM
#27
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You're trying the hard sell on me, ovenbird! I saw you did a special trip to the Antarctic for the Emperor Penguins. Is that because you don't usually see them on the regular trips?
I asked you about Galapagos on the Antarctica thread. We are getting our destinations and trips all jumbled up.
I asked you about Galapagos on the Antarctica thread. We are getting our destinations and trips all jumbled up.
Dec 13th, 2009, 06:11 PM
#28
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I'm thinking about a wet season visit to the Northern Pantanal. Not the upcoming wet season, but sometime.
I am definitely not thinking about going during the Olympics.
I just noticed this:
<b>gshah18 on Mar 28, 09 at 10:51pm </b>
<i>...Since I do most of my safaris in India....</i>
This thread has veered to Antarctica and Galapagos, so if you tune in again Gshah18, let's hear about your suggestions for Indian safaris.
I am definitely not thinking about going during the Olympics.
I just noticed this:
<b>gshah18 on Mar 28, 09 at 10:51pm </b>
<i>...Since I do most of my safaris in India....</i>
This thread has veered to Antarctica and Galapagos, so if you tune in again Gshah18, let's hear about your suggestions for Indian safaris.
Dec 15th, 2009, 11:56 PM
#29
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The pantanal is amazing I've been twice now and learnt a lot from my first trip. The second trip was to just to locations but for longer stays. We saw some amazing wildlife, 1 jaguar, Giant otters, Giant anteater with baby on back, loads of pecaaries and a lot more. There's a full trip report at http://tripreports.co.uk/2009/12/16-...erko-boonstra/ if anyone is interested.
Jan 7th, 2010, 05:28 PM
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Hi - I think I did already in one of your posts: http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...ps-in-asia.cfm
Any questions you have about Indian safaris or wildlife, let me know!
Any questions you have about Indian safaris or wildlife, let me know!
Jan 9th, 2010, 04:30 AM
#33
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Treepol,
We're thinking of doing another trip to the Pantanal (North likely, maybe South too) later this year. What is your itinerary for July 2010? How did you find Pantanal Trackers to deal with? I'm looking for a good company and I read on another thread you had problems with Tropical Nature (Charles Munn) and with Focus Tours (Doug Trent). Thanks.
Marsha
We're thinking of doing another trip to the Pantanal (North likely, maybe South too) later this year. What is your itinerary for July 2010? How did you find Pantanal Trackers to deal with? I'm looking for a good company and I read on another thread you had problems with Tropical Nature (Charles Munn) and with Focus Tours (Doug Trent). Thanks.
Marsha
Jan 9th, 2010, 05:51 AM
#34
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Brazil Nature Tours was a pleasure to deal with:
http://www.opendoortur.com.br
I highly recommend them.
http://www.opendoortur.com.br
I highly recommend them.
Jan 9th, 2010, 07:24 AM
#35
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I believe Brazil Nature Tours did both Amazon and Pantanal for Marija.
<b>Cferbb</b>, I had a similar question quite a few years ago, mainly on the difference between N and S Pantanal. After visiting each, here are my findings in a link below.
Just to clarify on the "problems" that were aluded to, as I understand them:
I think the Charles Munn Tropical Nature outfit had systemic problems with operations that do not uphold sound wildlife management.
The Douglas Trent Focus Tours problems that have been mentioned and that I even experienced as a client are related to getting in touch with the company. It is a communications issue but I believe their practice, principles, and product they offer are very sound. I have no vested interest in any of these companies.
Anyway...in general the whole Pantanal, which is south of the Amazon Jungle, is more open, savannalike and swamplike and therefore birds and animals are more visible. It is also not as far away from Sao Paulo or Rio, which can make logistics easier.
Since I've only visited the Ecuadorian portion of the Amazon, I'll defer to the others on a more detailed comparison. But if time and money allowed, I would not hesitate to incorporate both the Amazon and the Pantanal into an itinerary.
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...n-pantanal.cfm
<b>Cferbb</b>, I had a similar question quite a few years ago, mainly on the difference between N and S Pantanal. After visiting each, here are my findings in a link below.
Just to clarify on the "problems" that were aluded to, as I understand them:
I think the Charles Munn Tropical Nature outfit had systemic problems with operations that do not uphold sound wildlife management.
The Douglas Trent Focus Tours problems that have been mentioned and that I even experienced as a client are related to getting in touch with the company. It is a communications issue but I believe their practice, principles, and product they offer are very sound. I have no vested interest in any of these companies.
Anyway...in general the whole Pantanal, which is south of the Amazon Jungle, is more open, savannalike and swamplike and therefore birds and animals are more visible. It is also not as far away from Sao Paulo or Rio, which can make logistics easier.
Since I've only visited the Ecuadorian portion of the Amazon, I'll defer to the others on a more detailed comparison. But if time and money allowed, I would not hesitate to incorporate both the Amazon and the Pantanal into an itinerary.
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...n-pantanal.cfm
Jan 9th, 2010, 02:23 PM
#36
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Thanks Marija and atravelynn. I had already added Brazil Nature Tours to my short list of companies to contact. I'll also add Focus Tours, but the communications issue might be a problem for me if it occurs too much. I would really like to deal with only one company for the entire trip (3 weeks) if possible.
We'll be going with friends (one a birder, the other not) so it'll be focused on nature, not just birds.
atravelynn, I'm thinking of going to the same areas you went to on your first trip for the big 5 (jaguar, giant anteater, tapir, maned wolf, giant otter). Then I'd like to add Iquazu Falls, a couple of days in Rio, and some Atlantic Rainforest feeder birding. I'd also like to add the Southern Pantanal and Amazon.
Uh oh, this trip is sounding more like 3 months, not 3 weeks!
Marsha
We'll be going with friends (one a birder, the other not) so it'll be focused on nature, not just birds.
atravelynn, I'm thinking of going to the same areas you went to on your first trip for the big 5 (jaguar, giant anteater, tapir, maned wolf, giant otter). Then I'd like to add Iquazu Falls, a couple of days in Rio, and some Atlantic Rainforest feeder birding. I'd also like to add the Southern Pantanal and Amazon.
Uh oh, this trip is sounding more like 3 months, not 3 weeks!
Marsha
Jan 9th, 2010, 02:36 PM
#37
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If you want another company to consider, we used Brazil Ecotravel, which is based in Rio and they were very good:
http://www.brazil-ecotravel.com/publ...t.htm?tpl=home
http://www.brazil-ecotravel.com/publ...t.htm?tpl=home
Jan 9th, 2010, 05:39 PM
#39
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Hi Ovenbird,
Atravelynn has accurately summed up my concerns with Tropical Nature and Focus Tours.
Our Pantanal itinerary is 4 nights in the Southern Pantanal at Barranco Alto with a road transfer in and a charter flight out, http://www.fazendabarrancoalto.com.br/. I really like the way the blog is updated so frequently.
Northern Pantanal is 2 nights Rio Clara, 4 nights Porto Jofre Hotel and 2 nights Posada Alegre and one pre-departure night in Cuiaba.
Pantanal Trackers are fine to deal with, Julinho usually responds within 24 hours as he has a laptop with him in the Pantanal. In my experience he checks and responds to email both morning and evening. He has been extremely helpful, even dealing with a last minute change of plan to accommodate improved air connections. I think we are in for a great trip with him. I have been very happy with tailor-made African safaris and I get the impression that Julinho as an owner-operator promises a similar rewarding experience.
Other operators for the Pantanal that I found were Ailton Lara of Pantanal Nature http://www.pantanalnature.com.br (see Tripadvisr for some reviews.) I didn't contact him, but he was on my list and Boute Expeditions also, http://www.boute-expeditions.com/ . Marluce responded very quickly, but their customisations were nowhere near as thoughtfully put together as Julinho's.
Posada Piuval and Pousada Mutum sounded interesting but 8 days in the Northern Pantanal is our limit. Have you heard of this place - http://www.guapiassubirdlodge.com/ It was on our list along with Uakari Floating Lodge, but sadly we don't have time in the itinerary for either.
All of our Brazil land itinerary with the exception of the Pantanal Trackers sector is being booked through BNT. John confirmed Barranco Alto for us last October and I am currently waiting to hear back from him regarding accommodation at Iguazu, Rio and Sao Paulo. BNT have been excellent to work with and I would strongly recommend them.
Cheers,
Pol
Atravelynn has accurately summed up my concerns with Tropical Nature and Focus Tours.
Our Pantanal itinerary is 4 nights in the Southern Pantanal at Barranco Alto with a road transfer in and a charter flight out, http://www.fazendabarrancoalto.com.br/. I really like the way the blog is updated so frequently.
Northern Pantanal is 2 nights Rio Clara, 4 nights Porto Jofre Hotel and 2 nights Posada Alegre and one pre-departure night in Cuiaba.
Pantanal Trackers are fine to deal with, Julinho usually responds within 24 hours as he has a laptop with him in the Pantanal. In my experience he checks and responds to email both morning and evening. He has been extremely helpful, even dealing with a last minute change of plan to accommodate improved air connections. I think we are in for a great trip with him. I have been very happy with tailor-made African safaris and I get the impression that Julinho as an owner-operator promises a similar rewarding experience.
Other operators for the Pantanal that I found were Ailton Lara of Pantanal Nature http://www.pantanalnature.com.br (see Tripadvisr for some reviews.) I didn't contact him, but he was on my list and Boute Expeditions also, http://www.boute-expeditions.com/ . Marluce responded very quickly, but their customisations were nowhere near as thoughtfully put together as Julinho's.
Posada Piuval and Pousada Mutum sounded interesting but 8 days in the Northern Pantanal is our limit. Have you heard of this place - http://www.guapiassubirdlodge.com/ It was on our list along with Uakari Floating Lodge, but sadly we don't have time in the itinerary for either.
All of our Brazil land itinerary with the exception of the Pantanal Trackers sector is being booked through BNT. John confirmed Barranco Alto for us last October and I am currently waiting to hear back from him regarding accommodation at Iguazu, Rio and Sao Paulo. BNT have been excellent to work with and I would strongly recommend them.
Cheers,
Pol
Jan 10th, 2010, 06:29 AM
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Thanks everyone for your insights, recommendations and clarifications.
Pol, I've heard of that lodge run by REGUA, but I don't know anyone who has been there. I think most birding groups go to Hotel do Ype or Serra dos Tucanos for Atlantic Rainforest birds.
Pol, I've heard of that lodge run by REGUA, but I don't know anyone who has been there. I think most birding groups go to Hotel do Ype or Serra dos Tucanos for Atlantic Rainforest birds.
